grindstone

noun

grind·​stone ˈgrīn(d)-ˌstōn How to pronounce grindstone (audio)
1
2
: a flat circular stone of natural sandstone that revolves on an axle and is used for grinding, shaping, or smoothing

Illustration of grindstone

Illustration of grindstone
  • grindstone 2

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Indianapolis Star South Knox put its nose to the grindstone and turned back Northeast Dubois in a 9-6 decision for an Indiana high school baseball victory on April 25. Indy Star Sports, The Indianapolis Star, 26 Apr. 2023 Nose to the grindstone, the brand has been hard at work creating some of the most distinctive cultivars on the market. Lindsey Bartlett, Forbes, 20 Apr. 2023 He’s had his nose to the grindstone all his life. Matt Wake | Mwake@al.com, al, 15 Apr. 2021 Indianapolis Star Danville put its nose to the grindstone and turned back Tri-West Hendricks in a 56-44 decision during this Indiana boys high school basketball game. Indy Star Sports, The Indianapolis Star, 5 Mar. 2023 Knox put its nose to the grindstone and turned back Triton in a 47-37 decision at Knox Community High on Feb. 24 in Indiana boys high school basketball action. Indy Star Sports, The Indianapolis Star, 25 Feb. 2023 Both a fun party guy and someone with his nose to the grindstone. Naomi Fry, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2023 Unlike America, where many top-tier universities have waived standardised testing requirements amid the covid-19 pandemic, China is keeping its students’ noses to the grindstone. The Economist, 23 Feb. 2021 Lake Central put its nose to the grindstone and turned back Northridge in a 42-29 decision during this Indiana girls high school basketball game. Indy Star Ai Sports, The Indianapolis Star, 12 Feb. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'grindstone.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of grindstone was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near grindstone

Cite this Entry

“Grindstone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grindstone. Accessed 28 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

grindstone

noun
grind·​stone ˈgrīn-ˌstōn How to pronounce grindstone (audio)
: a stone disk that turns on an axle and is used for grinding or sharpening

More from Merriam-Webster on grindstone

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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